Amanda Smestad
Amanda is a lifelong Cedar Rapidian along with her husband Chad and their seven daughters. She has been blessed by her littles at the ages of 21, 24, 32, 34 and again at 42. Her oldest two girls are now young adults and living their own lives, her middle girls are in their tweens and teens, and to round it all out, identical twin toddlers, four dogs and a house that is never empty.
Postpartum: A Four Year Journey
My husband and I began our life journey in the mid-'90s and married in 2002. Some of you may have read last month when we celebrated our twentieth anniversary!
And our family grew and grew.
I...
Bringing Mens Health into the Spot Light
June 13-20
Men's Health Week is about the well-being of healthy minds and bodies. By raising awareness and focusing on healthy lifestyle changes we celebrate all the men in our lives, young and old.
Annual Checkups
One of...
Mr and Mrs, Established in 2002
My guy has had my heart for most of our lives, my whole heart. Through good times and bad, he is everything when the day ends. Hardworking, best friend, best dad, all-around great guy.
We...
It’s Time to Spring : Where to donate in Cedar Rapids
Spring break has come and gone. March 20th has swiftly passed. Days have lengthened, clocks have adjusted, and temperature is trying to settle amidst average highs and lows. Now, tackle the dreaded task of...
Happy Birthday (Blues) to Me
Welcome to March. Who is ready for CHANGE?
Bring it on! I am ready for longer days, warmer temperatures, budding trees, and early flowers. But, that also means sloppy puddles, sticky mud, and debris left...
I Have So Much Love for February
February is the month just inside the New Year where I start to ask myself, what were those resolutions again?
Okay, so maybe not everybody is like me, but, I know that there are...
A Year in Review: Good-Bye 2021, Hello 2022
We made it through another year of changes, trials, and loss, all while we never stopped growing, learning, and adapting. Finding ways to navigate through this life of unknowns and still find ways to...
Rediscovering the Magic of Christmas
This has always been my most favorite time of year. The end of November to the end of December marks days out of school and off work, those family members that you haven't seen...
Building a Connection for Life through Foster Care and Adoption
November is a time to raise awareness, celebrate adoptions and share our stories.
On November 1, 1995, President Bill Clinton set forth proclamation 6846 for National Adoption Awareness Month. The declaration supports adoption awareness, recognizing...
I’m Not Just Mom: Rediscovering Who You Are
I have spent the last three years rediscovering myself and my purpose.
This journey began in 2018; our twins we barely two months old when postpartum hit hard. It didn't stop at six weeks or...